Daily statsStart: 6:35 AM - Cape Girardeau, MOFinish: 2:35 PM - Just south of the Mississippi - Ohio River confluenceTime: 8:18:16Daily dist: 57 milesTotal dist: 318 milesWeather: Start around 30 with a high in the mid-40s. Clear and calm.

Early start and a nice sunrise

Today ran the risk of becoming the first of what I’m sure will be many routine days. That was, however, until I turned the corner at Cairo IL (pronounced Kay-row) and saw what happens when the rain swollen Ohio river adds it’s flow to the mix. The rive down here is huge, it’s stunning.

The river is HUGE down here

Up to this point I could change sides of the river whenever I chose to. After it took me twenty minutes to paddle from the Missouri side to the Kentucky side, I realized that from now on the bank I choose to paddle is going to be a weighty decision. Having all this high water means that I’ll be able to cut corners over what would normally be sand bars. The trouble is that the lack of sand bars is going to make finding camping spots much more interesting. Right now I’m set up on the edge of a hay field just up from the first shore access I could find for the last three miles.

Judging from the scolding splashing I’m hearing on the river I believe I may have chosen a beaver’s access point. The last time I heard that noise was when my friend Neil and I put ourselves in a similar spot and ended up with angry beavers dragging branches past our tent all night long.

The day went well and I paddled nearly 60 miles. I did decide, whatever the mileage, my limit is 8 hours on the water. Any more than that and I start to fall apart.

The flood plain is noticeably wider down there so I know my web access is going to be hit and miss. I asked Neil to please at least post my daily stats which he’s been calculating off my SPOT hits every day. That way you all can at least see the progress I’ve made.

Cannot read your blog without at least adding some kind of comment. The river looks very wide and very huge. You need a good night's sleep. May the dam beavers do their work quietly! 8 hours seem plenty - we do not want you squirrely!!!! Jen is supposed to arrive tomorrow - but wouldn't you know - we expect a snowstorm of some kind!

Reply

Caitlyn Maday

12/17/2009 10:18:07 pm

Dear,JakeHope the ice is not slowing you down.It would be nice if you came down sooner than you said. Hope you are warm in the house boat. The class wishes you a Merry Christmas.

I am in St. Louis and can out fit your cookset. I have a MSR pocket rocket, and a set of nesting pots. If you are coming in to STL to buy gear, let me know and this can save you some cash...314-220-6990.

Reply

Dave Carlson

12/19/2009 04:37:05 am

Keep an eye on craigslist for your gear. I don't know exactly where you are, but a lot of gear gets sold on craigslist, very often right after it is stolen...